Phichit: Temples, Traditions and Nature

Phichit combines traces of its ancient city and temples with markets, festival traditions and natural attractions by the water and in the forest. When choosing a hotel and planning your stay, it helps to first decide what matters most to you: Would you mainly like to explore historic sites, discover local products or spend time in nature?

Ancient City and Temples

Pichit Old City Park preserves the site of the ancient city of Phichit. Its visible features include city walls, moats, old pagodas and the Kanchanakuman Arboretum. The park is also home to the Phichit City Pillar Shrine and a statue of Phraya Khotabong, known locally as Pho Pu. Wat Mahathat is also in the old city of Phichit: this registered ancient brick monument has a stupa in the Sri Lankan style.

Another historic site is Wat Pho Prathap Chang. The temple has a gate and double-layered enclosing walls in the Ayutthaya style. It was built during the reign of Somdet Phra Suriyentharathipbodi, also known as Phra Phutthachao Suea, in memory of his birthplace. To get there, take Highway 1068 and then Highway 1300; the temple is about four kilometres farther on.

Wat Tha Luang is home to Luangpho Phet, an artistic Buddha image associated with Phichit Province. Phra Phuttha Ket Mongkhon, also known as Luangpho To of Wat Taphan Hin, is considered the largest Buddha image in the province. The Nakhon Chai Bowon Museum is shaped like a two-storey mondop. A life-size statue of Luangpho Ngoen, a highly revered monk, stands on the upper floor; Buddha images and earthenware vessels are displayed on the lower floor. The Phichit Museum focuses on a different subject, presenting information about the way of life, traditional knowledge, ethnic groups, religion, beliefs, culture and customs of the people of Phichit.

Traditions, Markets and Local Products

The Kam Fa tradition of the Thai Phuan in Ban Pa Daeng, Taphan Hin District, takes place on the third day of the third lunar month. It includes merit-making rituals, Bai Si ceremonies and the ritual roasting of sticky rice. Since the date shifts each year according to the lunar calendar, check the date when planning your trip.

In Ban Khao Lon, Thap Khlo District, visitors can hike along a nature trail through the community forest and try local foods such as Khao Ho Luang, Khanom Dok Din and herbal drinks. The nostalgic DongKlang Riverside community market also offers local products and food for sale, including grilled fish, chilli paste with boiled vegetables, traditional sweets and herbal drinks. The old Wang Krot Market is on the banks of the Nan River in Tambon Wang Krot, Amphoe Mueang Phichit.

Various mango and Marian plum varieties grow in Wang Thap Sai Agricultural Garden, including Nam Dok Mai Si Thong, Phet Ban Lat, Fa Lan and Chok Anan, as well as the Khai Kai Marian plum. Visitors can tour the garden and buy its produce; check seasonal availability in advance. The Sweet Pomelo and Best Products of the District Fair is held annually from March to April in Pho Prathap Chang District. Selected products from each subdistrict are available for purchase. Check the current programme before your trip. Handwoven cotton-silk fabrics from Ban Pa Daeng are sold in Nong Phayom, Taphan Hin District; ask locally about current availability.

By the Water and in the Forest

The Princess Srinagarindra Garden in Phichit covers 170 rai and is a recreational park by Bueng Si Fai. Visitors often come to feed the fish and watch the sunset. The Saranchit-Mongkol-Suk cycling arena at Bueng Si Fai is a sports and recreation facility for tourism. South of the lake is Lotus Park, a visitor and learning destination for different lotus species. A bridge extends into Bueng Si Fai, where visitors can view red lotus flowers up close.

Nakhon Chai Bowon Forest Park is considered Phichit’s last remaining forest area. Large dipterocarp trees grow densely there, and many birds stay in the forest during winter. Phichit’s nature attractions range from lotus flowers and lakeside experiences to a forest area with abundant birdlife in winter.

Festivals and Getting Around

The Luangpho Phet Worship and Phichit Festival in January includes a ceremony honouring Luangpho Phet, folk cultural performances and a procession of illuminated boats. Check the current event programme before your trip. Another annual tradition is Tak Bat Thewo Rohana at Wat Phra Phutthabat Khao Sai. It has been held for more than 60 years on the second waning-moon day of the eleventh lunar month; here, too, it is advisable to check the exact date.

Songthaews run from the bus station to various destinations in Phichit city and can be hired for trips within the city or to other districts. Ask locally about current availability. Phichit’s varied attractions give you concrete ideas about which places and experiences to prioritise when planning your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Amphoe Sak Lek, Mueang Phichit District, Dong Pa Kham, Wang Wa, Thanong; Samut Sakhon, Satun, Trat.

For the overview of destinations: Thailand.